Trump thinks Shinzo Abe's wife does not speak English

US President Donald Trump presumed he had an awkward dinner seated next to Akie Abe because she doesn't speak English.

First Lady Melania Trump and Akie Abe wife of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, take a tour of the Morikami Museum in Delray Beach, Fla., Feb. 11, 2017. Source: Palm Beach Post

In an interview with the New York Times, US President Donald Trump claimed the wife of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe does not speak English 

He said he was seated next to Akie Abe during a G20 dinner in Germany this month, and she is a "terrific woman," but "doesn't speak English".

When asked by the reporter, "Like, nothing, right? Like zero?"

"Like, not 'hello'," the US President replied, saying that it was a long dinner to have no conversation for.

The claims have prompted speculation that Ms Abe may have pretended not to speak English to avoid having a conversation with Mr Trump.